Jesus: Fulfiller Of The Law

During Old Testament times, many Jews perceived the Law as a means of gaining salvation.Although a large number of Jews admired Jesus' wisdom, and were in awe of the miracles he accomplished, Christ's admittance of his divinity, as well as what some people perceived was his desire to do away with the Old Testament Law caused much stirring, especially amongst temple heads. ("Even after Jesus had done all these miraculous signs in their presence, they still would not believe in him." -John 12:37 Also see John 10:25-26, John 10:37-38, John 8:42-43) At one point, Jesus was accused of being inspired by satan, but, does satan preach of love, heal the sick, make the blind to see, and raise the dead to life? Surely not as the adversary's purpose is to not do God's will, but to fight against it.

In the Bible, the Old Testament Law is referred to as our "schoolmaster" (Galatians 3:23-25), to teach earliest mankind, and to lead our way to Jesus Christ, that he should fulfill the deepest meaning of the Law. It is by faith and grace that we are saved, not through our deeds, which the Old Testament Law was mainly comprised of as it often spoke of dietary restrictions, proper and improper modes of dress, ways of acting, and punishments for various wrong-doings. ("For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith -- and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God -- not by works, so that no one can boast." - Ephesians 2:8-9)

Jesus did not come to hate or cause division amongst his own people, the Jews, only to proclaim fulfillment of the Old Testament Law by his father who sent him. ("Do not think I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them." - Matthew 5:17 Also read Romans 3:31, John 1:17)

It was never God's desire for man to be divided. All people were to have one faith, one God, and be partakers of His promise. The Old Testament Law had been such an important aspect of Jewish tradition that many Jews were not willing to release its strong hold of bondage, which the Scriptures refer to as the yoke of bondage or slavery. ("It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery." -Galatians 4:9 Also read Acts 15:10, Galatians 4:9, Galatians 4:30-31)

Let us keep in mind that despite those peoples who did not accept Christ as "the anointed one" or "Messiah" which they anxiously awaited, still many more throngs accepted Christ as the Son of God he was, and these Jews became known as Christians. Christ, himself, was a Jew. The Old Testament Jewish Law adhere to the thinking that an eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth, but Christ preached for us to turn our cheek away from retaliation, to honor God, and love your neighbor as yourself.

A recent poll revealed that 80% of people today believe in a Higher Power they know as God. I believe these numbers are so great because it is proof that man has an inbred hunger to be in touch with his spiritual roots. Through the example of our ancient ancestors, and our own life today, we see that the fulfillment of the flesh is hollow compared to the sustaining and fulfilling word of God. However, the word of God does not end at the Old Testament, but continues on through the New Testament; the story of Christ's life, suffering, death and resurrection.

Today, I encourage you to pick up a Bible, and read the loving, comforting and strengthening words of the Lord. He took up his cross for you. The least we can do is pick up a Bible for Him.

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Contributed by Melanie Schurr (Copyright (c)2003 Melanie Schurr) Melanie Schurr is author of "Ecstatic Living Ecstatic Loving: How to have more peace and joy in marriage, and life in general by walking in harmony with God," and "Son Salutations: A refreshing collection of modern inspirations for those who seek God each day." For more information, visit her web page at www.angelfire.com/mi/melschurr